I resolve

I have been meaning to write a resolutions post for the past week. One of the lessons learned in 2012 was if you write something down, there's already something to it.

But 2013 has been one of those sneaky ocean waves for me so far. You're walking toward the sandy shore, and it catches you, knocking you down. You get a bit disoriented, your hands and knees dug into the sand and broken shells, and you try to stand up, only to be knocked down again.

But is it really that bad? You're still at the beach and probably someone you love is watching from the shore, having a good laugh at your poor expense.

Anyways, 2013. 2013. 2013. Had a few work headaches and illness at home to start off this new year. Like multiple people throwing up on me. I've taken to listening to the 40s XM station in the car and this song came on when I was feeling particularly low. Someone up there has a great sense of humor.

Don't lose your confidence

If you slip

Be grateful for a pleasant trip

And pick yourself up,

Dust yourself off

And start all over again.

We are all getting better and I have a quiet moment to list off my resolutions.

1. Live generously. This essay describes it beautifully. As the essayist states, "...I believe I’ve been given much, so much is required of me." My family is healthy; Jeremy and I have a lovely network of supportive friends; and our jobs allow us some flexibility (the flip side being we work on off-hours sometimes). We're thriving on this as long as we can - volunteering in Jack's classroom and I am enjoying my work through the March of Dimes, which is mostly therapy for me.

2. Self compassion over perfectionism. This is taken directly from the book, Daring Greatly. Perfectionism isn't attainable. Tonight I'm choosing some sleep over running errands. It feels good.

3. Respect myself and protect my health for my kids. My youngest sister has challenged my middle sister, my mom and I to run/walk a marathon each month - meaning adding 26.2 extra miles into our daily activity over a month's period. Mine has been simple - instead of catching the train to work, I walk the 1.9 miles daily. I also am trying to skip cheese for the month of January. We'll see how long that lasts. (Reference resolution 2).

4. My ever-present goal of being present. Today of all days, I had a choice. I could go to work and dig in, or I could rearrange things to attend Jossie's first-ever music class. I'm so glad I made the choice I did. Jossie might never remember this day, but I will. No regrets. The love continued with Jeremy and Jossie dancing around the kitchen at dinner time. No TV, no iPads or iPhones, just us.

I say it often but here's to writing the best stories we can in 2013.